Play Pole Position Online

Summary

Pole Position on the Atari 5200 turns a simple Formula 1 sprint into a high‑stakes time trial. Before you can join the Grand Prix you must nail the Qualifying Lap in 73 seconds or less, otherwise you’re stuck racing against a 90‑second timer until the game forces a restart. Your lap time decides which of the eight starting slots you earn – the fastest 58.50‑second run lands you in the coveted Pole Position and nets a 4,000‑point bonus.

The scoring feels like a retro arcade scoreboard: every 5 meters you drive adds 50 points, each opponent you overtake adds another 50, and any seconds left on the Race Timer when you cross the finish line are worth 200 points apiece. Those bonuses stack, so a clean run can quickly balloon your total.

During the Grand Prix you’re racing both the clock and the other cars; fall behind the timer on any lap and the race ends. Reach the finish line and you’ll collect the remaining time bonus, distance points, and passing bonuses, turning a fast lap into a hefty high‑score haul.